Dueling tax cut proposals take center stage in Town of Hempstead

It's a battle of dueling tax cut proposals in the Town of Hempstead as board members unveiled Tuesday their own spending plan just a month before Election Day.
Two weeks ago, Democratic town Supervisor Laura Gillen proposed a 1.7 percent tax cut. Then today, the Republican-controlled Town Board proposed an amended budget that includes a 3.5 percent tax decrease, more than doubling Gillen's proposal.
The board majority says Gillen's plan featured revenue projections that were too cautious.
Board members touted their proposal during a news conference and smiled next to a poster that showed the difference between their plan and that of Gillens. The Republicans are trying to oust the Democratic incumbent in the upcoming election.
Gillen says one way or another, town residents will receive a tax cut, but she plans to review the amended budget plan before a vote takes place next week.
Residents say they don't care about the politics as long as their taxes go down.
GOP lawmakers say the plan put forth today also slashes the town's publicity and contingency budgets, as well as spending on seasonal and part time workers who report to the supervisor's office.

The board is expected to vote on the overall budget next Wednesday.